Independence poll shows Yes support is higher than ever with 43% of voters now backing separation

A PANELBASE poll has shaken Better Together campaigners and bolstered the Yes campaign after showing a record high in independence support.

Could an independent Scotland be around the corner for First Minister and leader of Yes Campaign, Alex Salmond?

A BREAKTHROUGH poll in the independence referendum has the Yes vote at a new record high.

The survey shows that Yes campaign is within touching distance of an hirtoric victory on September 18.

According to the poll carried out by Panelbase when undecided voters are taken out, the figures are 48% for Yes and 52% for No.

It means that the Yes campaign only needs a 2% swing for a momentous victory. Over the past month, The No campaign's eight-point lead has been halved from to just four points.

The latest poll shows a record 43% of voters will say they will back independence on September 18, compared to 47 % voting No.

With the both camps running almost neck and neck in the polls, experts say that No camp should be worried about the latest poll and that the Yes campaign should be pleased.

Blair Jenkins, chief executive of Yes Scotland, said: "The Panelbase poll is a breakthrough, putting support for Yes at a campaign high - it shows that our message that only with independence can the wealth of Scotland work for all the people is getting through.

"We now have three polls in recent days to record a significant increase in support for Yes - with average Yes support of 47% - which puts us in touching distance of success in September. The polls show that the relentless negativity of the No side isn't working, and is being rejected by the people of Scotland. The Yes campaign will continue to set out our positive vision of a better future, and we are confident that message of hope and aspiration will continue to gain ground and deliver a Yes vote on 18 September.

"As people focus on Westminster as well as on an independent Scotland, support for Yes becomes stronger still - 10 points ahead on a Tory government scenario, and neck-and-neck on the basis of a Labour government."

Commenting on the ICM poll findings on the level of public discussion about the referendum, and attitudes on whether or not Scotland will be divided after the vote, Mr Jenkins said: "The poll also shows a high level of public engagement with the referendum, and we are committed to a positive, quality, respectful debate.

"Sixty-two per cent of people disagree with the idea of division or have no view - similar findings could, of course, be generated by an ordinary election campaign - and there is a consensus and determination right across the campaigns and political spectrum that we will come together as Scotland united on 19 September."